We recently had the chance to connect with Alia Perr and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Alia, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Recently, one of my young clients shared that they were able to sleep through the night—by themselves, in their own room—and that they felt brave! Hearing this made me so proud and reminded me exactly why I love the work I do.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Alia Perr, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and school counselor who’s passionate about helping teens and families build confidence, connection, and emotional wellness. Through my private practice, Young at Heart Counseling, I specialize in supporting adolescents navigating issues like anxiety, relationships, self-esteem, and the pressures of growing up in today’s world.
What makes my work unique is the blend of my background in education and clinical therapy — I bring both a school-based understanding of children’s social dynamics and a therapeutic approach that’s creative, compassionate, and relatable. I love incorporating real-world strategies, humor, and even pop culture to make therapy engaging and meaningful for young people.
Right now, I’m expanding my practice to offer more virtual sessions and workshops for parents and schools, with a focus on helping communities foster resilience and emotional intelligence in kids and teens.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I love this question because it’s one I ask my clients all the time! For me, I’d have to say the part of me that overthinks. Overthinking is something many anxious people struggle with — it’s our mind’s way of trying to stay safe by imagining every possible outcome in an uncertain situation. For a long time, that part of me helped me feel prepared and in control. But now, I recognize that it no longer serves me. Instead of protecting me, it causes me to doubt myself and question my abilities rather than trust in the experience and success I’ve already built. Letting go of that overthinking side means allowing more space for trust, confidence, and peace.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain when I decided to become a therapist. I realized I could turn my childhood experiences into strength, helping others in ways I needed when I was young. To do that, I had to make peace with my past and focus on the future I wanted to create.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely! The public version of me is the real me — it’s the only way I know how to be. Whether I’m with colleagues at school, my clients, family, or friends, what you see is what you get. I believe authenticity is the foundation of meaningful relationships, both personally and professionally.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I think my clients would miss my ability to really see them — to meet them where they are and help them feel understood, supported, and empowered. I bring a mix of empathy, honesty, and a little humor to every session, and I think people notice when someone genuinely cares. They’d also probably miss my knack for making tough conversations feel a little lighter and more manageable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youngatheartcounseling.com
- Instagram: @youngatheartcounseling
Image Credits
Tuyen Le
